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Abigail had lost everything--home--family, and left with little promise of a normal life. When she discovers the Messiah and joins his followers, she also discovers new meaning and purpose. Maybe she does have a future after all. But increasing persecution is scattering the burgeoning group "to the ends of the earth." And Abigail may have given her heart to the wrong man.

Abigail, an orphan, has found the young brother she had thought was dead. Along the way she also has found a second family--those brave followers of the Jewish prophet Jesus. Under attack from several groups who hate them for their growing influence, these new Christians are spreading out from Jerusalem, taking their life-changing message with them. This further enrages the religious elite, and they engage whomever they can to stamp out this powerful new sect called The Way.

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Publisher's Description

Abigail loses everything and is left with little promise of a normal life. When she discovers the Messiah and joins his followers, she also discovers new meaning and purpose. Maybe she does have a future after all. But increasing persecution is scattering the burgeoning group "to the ends of the earth." And Abigail may have given her heart to the wrong man.

Two suitors desire the lovely Abigail's hand in marriage. One is a successful Hebrew merchant and widower looking for a mother for his children. On the other side is the Roman soldier Linux, who is captivated by her winsome charm and could offer the sanctuary--maybe even the love--for which she yearns. But her heart has been captured by neither of these. Stephen, one of the leaders of The Way, has a character and a faith that move her deeply, but his outspoken preaching has marked him for assassination. Will her faith and courage withstand a heartbreak beyond comprehension?

And then a glimmer of hope appears, one she never would have foreseen.

Author Bio

Davis Bunn, the author of twenty bestsellers, has received numerous accolades, including three Christy Awards for excellence in fiction. His books have sold more than six million copies in sixteen languages. He and his wife, Isabella, make their home near Oxford, England, where they teach and write. Davis serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University, and is a member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

Janette Oke, recipient of the 1992 ECPA President's Award and the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry, has also won both the Gold Medallion Award and the Christy Award for fiction. Janette and her husband, Edward, live in Alberta, Canada.

I love historical fiction and this book gives a wonderful perspective on the life of early christians. Taking people mentioned in the Bible and weaving them into the story gives them a depth character I hadn't considered before.

After our study group had just finished a nine-month search into the book of Acts, finding this trilogy felt like a reward for our effort. We all know the story of the leaders. Insights into the lives of the 'followers' in their extremely difficult, yet richly blessed, days at that time convinced me that we who love the Lord now are actually spoiled brats! He knows that, but He still puts up with us. Thank you, Bunn & Oke, and thank You, Lord!

My first e book purchase and I am more than pleased. These are two of my favorite authors that I was able to take with me on a trip with limited luggage able to read at my leisure as my reader was in my purse.

Plot: In this second installment of the Acts of Faith trilogy, the center of attention shifts to Abigail, the merry hearted but crippled beautiful young woman. Recently reunited with her brother Jacob whom she'd long thought dead, Abigail finds a new chapter in her life opening, beginning with the hurried departure of her dear friends Leah and Alban. An important new task is given Abigail within the growing community of believers that serves to occupy her hands and heart but not her increasing worries over Jacob and the rumors whispered on the streets of Jerusalem. Unbeknown to Abigail, she is about to face a loss so great it will shake her world and cause her to lean even more on the loving arms of God.

Two years after the events of The Centurion's Wife take place two men enter the scene and both desire Abigail for themselves. One is a wealthy merchant named Ezra who wants a mother for his two young children and someone to take the place of his departed beloved wife. The other is Alban's friend Linux who soon finds himself in a battle he never anticipated. Carrying new orders from Rome and hatred in his heart for his pompous older brother Castor, Linux will do anything to get back at Castor. But with threats against the growing community of believers increasing, from the Sanhedrin as well as the new governor, and Abigail's worries over Jacob beginning to hit home, the Roman officer finds his world being torn in half.

And when tragedy unexpected strikes, will the believers' faith be enough to see them through the times of peril and persecution ahead or will they break?

Likes/Dislikes: This was a very well written novel. It flowed well from all three main characters' viewpoints and had just enough description to give you the setting without bogging down the whole book. The conversations between the characters were all very interesting as well. And it was a real treat to see Biblical figures I've long been familiar with, such as Stephan, Saul, Gamaliel, Sapphira and her husband, introduced and "fleshed out." It was also nice to have Peter in several more scenes than in the prequel. I think Linux was my favorite character as he struggled with all his burdens. The tragedy is so sad but I admit I was too excited to see how all the characters reacted to cry with them.

Rating: PG-12 and up for reading level and a violent death though not graphic at all, thankfully.

Date Report Written: July 1, 2011.

I received this book free from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

Another one that I couldn't put down. Had to continue series to see what happens next. It was midnight before I realized that I had to put the book down. Next a.m. got cup of coffee and continued until I finished . Where is #3.